The Prairie Crown — Time Attack Festival | Sept 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 · Darana-Heartland Motorsports Park · Wakarusa, KS (just south of Topeka)
One day. One road course. Fastest lap takes the Crown.
The first annual Prairie Crown is an IHRA-sanctioned time attack festival on the 2.5-mile, 14-turn road course at Darana-Heartland Motorsports Park. It's the first competitive event on this road course since the park closed in 2023, and the first since it reopened in 2026 under Darana/IHRA ownership. If you followed the WIBW and KSNT coverage of the park's revival, this is the event that puts cars back on that pavement.
Tickets and race registration are live now. Online prices are cheaper than the gate.
The Event
The Prairie Crown is built as a full-day festival around a serious competition. On track: IHRA-sanctioned time attack across six classes, from grassroots open-run cars to purpose-built prototypes, all chasing the fastest lap in class. Off track: a judged car show, an open car meet, a vendor market, a swap meet, and live music.
What we can confirm on schedule so far:
- 6:00 AM — Drivers' gates open
- 7:00 AM — Drivers meeting
- Competition runs until finished — plan for a long day; racing can go as late as midnight
Public gate time hasn't been announced yet. Full schedule at drivelinekc.com.
The Crown
The nickname is older than the event. In the early 2000s, a small group of drivers used this road course to settle who was fastest, racing for the right to claim what they called "the Prairie Crown throne." It was an informal thing between people who cared about lap times, and the name stuck to the track itself.
The park closed in 2023 and the road course sat quiet until Darana and the IHRA brought the facility back in 2026. The Prairie Crown makes that old drivers' bet official: 2.5 miles, 14 turns, and a timing system that doesn't care about your story. Fastest lap in class wins.
Learning the course before September? Start with our track guide.
Racing Classes
Six classes, each with entry fees that include the cash pot pay-in. Check class requirements before you register — rules and technical regulations will be posted at drivelinekc.com.
| Class | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Open Run | $299.99 |
| Production | $499.99 |
| Modified Restricted [TA-R] | $999.99 |
| Super Unlimited | $1,499.99 |
| Maker/Prototype | $1,999.99 |
| Industry | $1,999.99 |
The Industry class entry includes media coverage, sponsor booth space, and staff support — it's built for shops, tuners, and manufacturers running cars as a program, not just a driver with a helmet.
Register to race before the field fills. Entry caps per class are being finalized — register early to be safe.
Tickets & Pricing
Buy online — prices rise at the gate.
| Ticket | Online Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $19.99 | |
| GA + Judged Car Show Entry | $45.98 | Spectate all day, show your car |
| VIP | $69.99 | VIP parking, tent access, judged show entry ($75 day-of) |
| Flea Market Vendor | $42.99 | Swap meet spot |
| Vendor Booth (10x10) | $399.99 | Commercial vendors |
| Vendor Booth (up to 30x50) | $1,499.99 | Largest footprint |
All tickets at drivelinekc.com. Sales opened July 9, 2026.
Car Show, Vendors & Swap Meet
You don't need a race car to make the day worth it.
Judged car show. Enter online with the GA + show combo ($45.98) or as part of a VIP ticket. Trophies go to the winners of each show class: JDM, Euro, Super, Vintage, Muscle, and Builders. Judging covers body work, originality, rarity, modifications, interior, and engine/undercarriage condition — so yes, they will open the hood.
Car meet. Open paddock-style meet alongside the show. Bring what you drive.
Vendor market. Booths run from $399.99 for a 10x10 up to $1,499.99 for a 30x50. Parts, gear, food, and services. To lock in a booth, buy through drivelinekc.com or contact business@drivelinekc.com for anything nonstandard.
Swap meet. A flea market vendor spot is $42.99. Clean out the garage, sell the take-offs.
Live music. Acts to be announced — watch this page and our socials.
Getting There
Darana-Heartland Motorsports Park
SE Gary Ormsby Dr, Wakarusa, KS 66546
The park sits just south of Topeka, an easy run from Kansas City, Wichita, and Lawrence. A parking map will be posted ahead of the event.
Making a weekend of it? See what else is running this season on the Midwest time attack calendar.
FAQ
What happens if it rains?
The event runs rain or shine. If weather forces the schedule to be cut, a raincheck date will be announced.
Is camping available at the track?
On-site camping details are still being finalized — check back here or watch our socials. Off-site, the Capital City KOA and Lake Shawnee Campground are both within 20 minutes (track guide has the details).
Are pets allowed?
Yes, on a leash.
Can I leave and come back?
Yes. You'll get a wristband and dash ticket for re-entry.
Do kids get in free?
Children 11 and under get in free.
How do I enter the judged car show?
Buy the GA + Judged Car Show Entry ticket ($45.98) or a VIP ticket ($69.99 online) at drivelinekc.com. VIP includes show entry along with VIP parking and tent access.
How do I become a vendor?
Flea market spots are $42.99 and commercial booths run $399.99 (10x10) to $1,499.99 (30x50), all bookable at drivelinekc.com. For sponsorships, Industry-class programs, or custom booth needs, email business@drivelinekc.com.
The Prairie Crown — Time Attack Festival is organized by DriveLine KC LLC in partnership with the IHRA. Media and business inquiries: business@drivelinekc.com.